‘Celebrate the Street’ took place over the weekend (credit: Sandra Rowse)
Romford BID arranged for activity to be held across the town in the ‘Celebrate the Street Festival’ which took place from Friday, 7 July to Sunday, 9 July.
The festival launched on Friday 7th July with Street Food Friday, where a selection of culinary dishes were on offer from around the world.
There was also live music from local artists on the main stage in front of Tollgate House, finishing with the headline act,Kaiser Monkey Killers. There was also fairground rides on South Street, which remained in situ until Sunday night.
On Saturday, despite a couple of bursts of rain, activities took place all day across the town, finishing at 9pm.
Singers on the main stage included Miss Jones Trio, Mark Walker Sings Swing, Saving Peach, Blue Mantis Band and Mr B and The Wolf – finishing with a headline performance from ABBA Stars UK.
Mark Dover from Time 107.5 was also on stage hosting the whole event on Saturday and Dean Kayne hosted his afternoon show live backstage.
Local groups performed throughout the weekend (credit: Sandra Rowse)
The Liberty Shopping Centre hosted a second stage for the event on Saturday , featuring performances from dance and theatre groups, and local musicians. The Mercury Shopping Centre had free games and craft workshops and there were live circus acts performing at The Brewery, along with a children’s workshop. The Romford Shopping Hall also had a cash grabber with prizes for all their shops.
Romford BID had arranged for face painters to be available for the children. Traditional Ukrainian flower wreath craft workshops took place at St Edward’s Church, which were popular all day with families. Havering Museum was also exhibiting a display on the history of Romford.
Sunday concluded with a celebration of individuals and groups who bring life and community to the town, parading through Romford’s streets and the Market Place and lead by the Romford Drum & Trumpet Corps. This was hosted by Steve Dean from Time 107.5 and the festival was also joined by the Mayor, Cllr Stephanie Nunn.
There were more performers on the main stage including Frostie Family Cabaret, a BMX Stunt Show in the market place and The Liberty Shopping Centre had a unicyclist juggler, balloon modeller, face-painters and roaming magician, fitting with the carnival theme. The Mercury had a Frosties Crazy Golf experience and workshops for the family to enjoy too. This weekend extravaganza culminated with a free screening of The Greatest Showman in front of Tollgate House.
Romford BID Director, Julie Frost said, “Wow – what an exceptional weekend we had – thank you everyone for joining us and making this the biggest and best event the town has ever held.
“The bar has certainly been set and I’m already thinking about how we can top this event in 2024, so watch this space!”
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Tags: Romford, Havering, Romford BID, festival
